Discarded Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif recently admitted he is not disappointed about not being able to find a place in the national team.

However, he is enjoying his cricket and will probably play the game for three or four more years.

Asif has bagged 45 wickets in seven matches of the domestic circuit, and hopes to raise his overall tally of wickets in the tournament further.

Talking about his selection in the national team, the dejected fast bowler stressed that it is not in his hands.

“It is something that is not in my hands but whenever there is a call I will certainly be ready to serve my country,” Asif said to Dawn.

Relieving his stint in New Zealand in 2009 where he pocketed 19 wickets in three matches at an average of 19.68, Asif stated,

“I got nine wickets in Wellington Test which Pakistan won.”

The 35-year old Asif also has a word of advice for the current Pakistan bowling attack in New Zealand.

“Our fast bowlers will have to bowl within the stumps as tracks there are bouncy and the ball is delivered at a certain height except for one or two grounds [in New Zealand] where the low bounce is seen. Our bowlers must not waste balls like they did in the warm-up. They must keep the pressure on the Kiwis,” Asif mentioned.

He also showered heaps of praise on current ranked one ODI bowler Hasan Ali. Ali bagged 45 ODI wickets during last calendar year.

“On the whole, he is doing well and bowls the ball within stumps. This is key, and he has to maintain the same quality in New Zealand. Besides we have a coach in Azhar Mahmood, who has a lot of experience of playing in New Zealand and Australia. I am sure Azhar will be giving some fine tips to the bowlers,” Asif further added.

Asif also maintained this team needs to come out of the euphoria of Champions Trophy as some tough challenges that lie ahead.

“No, I never wrote to the ICC to know whether it has restrained the PCB on selecting me for the national representation. The ICC has already clarified that the ban on me has ended and I can play any form of cricket,” Asif signed off talking about whether he has sought any clarification from ICC if there are any restrictions for him to get selected for Pakistan national team.

I am an accountant by qualification, my parents thought their obedient son would study further to become a CA, but I had other things in mind. An ardent Cricket fan is following his passion and making a living watching and working around his favorite sport.